Wenger offers fitness update on Ozil, Koscielny, Ramsey & more

Arsene Wenger has been speaking to the press this morning ahead of Arsenal’s trip to champions Leicester City on Saturday evening and he’s given a team news update.

The boss confirmed a major boost with the news that Laurent Koscielny is close to making his return to the first team after missing our Premier League opening defeat to Liverpool.

Koscielny only returned to pre-season training less than two weeks ago following his exploits at the Euro’s so wasn’t fit to face Liverpool but it looks like Wenger is ready to take a gamble with the Frenchman this weekend.

Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud also sat out of the Liverpool clash after returning back late to pre-season training but the boss says they could also return to the squad for the trip to the King Power on Saturday.

As was shown last week with Aaron Ramsey picking up a thigh injury, it’s always risky to push a player to return ahead of schedule but with Gabriel and Per Mertesacker out, Arsene hinted he’ll have no choice but to take a gamble on Koscielny.

Rob Holding and Calum Chambers were exposed against Liverpool last week so I certainly think we need to bring Koscielny back but I’d be more cautious with Ozil and Giroud as we still have options in attack.

There was also positive news on Ramsey with the boss confirming that the hamstring injury he suffered against Liverpool isn’t serious and will only be out for around 2-3 weeks.

Alex Iwobi also picked up a thigh injury last weekend but again we’ve had good news as Arsene says he should join Ramsey in returning to action after international break next month.

Koscielny: "He is close..it is very difficult, the clubs always pay for the fact players play in these tournaments." #AFC